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Happy Birthday!

I cannot imagine that 34 years have passed since I became a mother! I know that it sounds trite, but it went by in the blink of an eye. Oh, there were long nights…and endless days. But, looking back, it’s as if that precious boy appeared in our lives minutes ago.

Trae is a particularly delightful young man. Handsome, smart, and even more importantly…kind. He is a testament to the fact that people can overcome their upbringing 🙂 ! The fact is, that no matter the many mistakes and missed opportunities that happened while he was growing up, I can honestly say that there was not a minute in his life that we haven’t loved and adored this guy. I think that’s where the “overcoming” came in – anybody who is loved every minute of his/her life, can’t help but turn out great!

A few weeks ago, it occurred to me that, I haven’t spent an actual birthday DAY with Trae since he was 18 years old. He went off to college, then traveled the world, got married, works in New York, etc., and we just haven’t been together in all those many years. It made me really sad. Of course, we see him and his wife throughout the year, but the actual day of his birth has just not been celebrated with his momma.

My sister Tammy (whom you will recall from other postings…gets me into a heap of trouble) said that she would be making her daughter a “Birthday in a Box” and sending it to her in the city where she lives. Well, I’m certainly not above stealing a great idea…which is exactly what I decided to do!

I found one of those cardboard suitcases on sale at Michaels (40% off!) and filled it with goodies to help him celebrate his birthday. I started by making felt party hats for him and his sweet wife Corie. The trick, in case you want to make your own, is to use two pieces of felt and ‘sandwich” some really heavy interfacing. This will help the felt to stand up and look like a party hat. I then made a banner, announcing Trae’s Birthday! And…a felt cupcake (why not?) in a cupcake box. I called Crumbs Bakery in New York City and had them deliver a 6-pack of real cupcakes on his actual birthday. The cannoli ones were his favorite.

I then made a book, Ten Things We Love about Trae and included that, along with a photoshopped card, shakers, fake mustaches, and other must-haves for the fiesta.

On the day of his birthday, Trae had to travel to New Jersey for work, and got home late. But, there waiting for him, was a “care package” from home. He called me, very excited and very sweet about the whole thing. He said that they had already planned a picnic in Central Park with some friends for this weekend, so they could wear their mustaches!

Anyhow, I felt, for a few minutes anyhow, that I was right there with that precious boy on his birthday. Every year, I have to fight the urge to get on a plane and stalk him (I Love You Forever-style) and never let him go.

I always say that the only thing worse than your kid growing up and moving away is that kid NOT growing up and moving away. I’m proud of what all three of my boys have become. I miss them like crazy, though.

If yours are still at home, hang on and enjoy! Even though you won’t believe me now, they will be gone in a blink of an eye.